Plum Benefits: The many health related benefits of eating plums and other fruit from the plum family
Plums are both delicious and refreshing, but plums also offer many nutritional and health-related benefits and this article is all about Plums and their associated benefits.
Plums belong to the same fruit family as peaches, nectarines, and almonds. They are one of the few fruits that range in color (usually red, yellow, white or green) according to the region they come from. Plums are considered a top antioxidant fruit as they offer many benefits from antioxidants. Plums are also known to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals which protect the human body from health conditions such as asthma, arthritis, heart stroke, and even cancer.
Dried plums (or prunes) are known for their laxative effect, and are often used to help regulate the functions of the digestive system. Prunes greatly benefit the gastrointestinal tract and help prevent colon cancer. Both plums and prunes are convenient and can be easily incorporated into a daily diet. There are various fun ways to eat plums such as adding them to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, and even salads.
Plum Benefits That Combat Diseases
The antioxidants found in plums protect the body from free radicals that are believed to help create various developmental diseases. These antioxidants are very special as they are known to be able to neutralize superoxides, which are a group of blood enzymes that do some interesting things that include catalyzing superoxide radicals which provides cellular defense against all kind of nasty things in the blood.
Supports Cognitive Health
One of the most important plum benefits is cognitive health. Plums reduce inflammation in neurological areas improving the ability to learn and remember information. Phytonutrients present in plums serve as a natural treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Another great benefit from plums is that they help people develop strong and healthy hearts. The antioxidants in plums are known to rid the body of the free radicals. It is these free radicals that can often prevent cholesterol oxidation in the heart, leaving it to build up plaque. In patients that have cholesterol oxidation, the free radicals damage blood vessels and can eventually lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
Plums Can Boost Immune System
Plum benefits also include increased vitamin C as the vitamin C content present in fresh plums can be very high, making the fruit a good benefit for an at-risk immune system. Patients with weakened immune systems should consider some of the benefits of plums into their diet. Adequate intakes of vitamin C shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections, and prevents the common cold. It also reduces the risk of pneumonia and malaria.
Fights Cancer Cells
Some studies have linked plums to the prevention of cancer. Reddish pigments in the fruit called anthocyanins help protect the body from free radicals that may lead to the development of cancerous cells. The antioxidants in plums cease the development of such cells without harming healthy cells.
Helps Combat Diabetes
Glycemic index levels found in plums are relatively low. Plum consumption controls blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients are recommended to incorporate plums in their diet as it regulates the insulin spike between meals.
Low Cholesterol
Potassium found in plums is an important component of the human cell. Potassium benefits healthy heart rate and blood pressure levels. Plums also contain fiber which aids in lowering cholesterol, and reduces the possibility of a heart attack.
Low In Calories And Carbs
Plums are extremely low in calories, making it the perfect snack for dieting and weight loss. An average sized plum (2 1/8 in) contains only 30 calories, 1.5 percent of the recommended daily calorie intake.
Rich In Fiber
Fiber content in plums varies depending on the method they are consumed. Raw plums contain under two grams of fiber per fruit. Cooked plums release extra fiber, typically one cooked plum contains eight grams of fiber. Preserved plums offer even more benefits as they contain twelve grams of fiber per cup.
Natural Laxative
Plums and prunes are both known for being natural laxatives due to fibers, sorbitol, and isatin found in the fruit. Both plums and prunes often used to regulate bowel movements. Prunes juice is highly effective in aiding and improving functions of the digestive system
Skin Health
Plums contain high contents of vitamin C that serve great benefits to the skin. Vitamin C lowers the appearance of wrinkles, dry skin, and aging. It is also great for wounds as it speeds up healing and the formation of scar tissue.
The Benefits Of Hybrid Plums
Plum hybrids are cross breeds of plums and various other fruit. Hybrids have become increasingly popular as biologists and horticulturists experiment with selective breeding. Hybrid plums offer the benefits of the actual plum and the fruit its been crossed with. Popular plum hybrids include plumcots, plumogranates, peacotums and apriums.
Plumcots
Plumcots are hybrid fruits comprised genetically of half plum and half apricot. This unique fruit has almost no cholesterol or fat resulting in relatively low calories. Plumcots are high in vitamin A and vitamin C, in addition to fiber, and protein much like a regular plum.
Apriums
Much like plumcots, apriums are are made up of plums and apricots. However, apriums are one-fourth plum, and three-fourths apricot. The benefits of this fruit closely align with those of apricots. Apriums are highly concentrated with nutrients making them great for acne, sensitive skin, and aging.
Plumogranates
A plumogranate is exactly what it sounds like, the cross-breed between a plum and a pomegranate. This summer fruit offers the benefits of pomegranates such as vitamin E, folic acid, and three times as many antioxidants as a regular plum. Plumogranates are great for treating stomach disorders, heart problems, and dental care.
Peacotums
A Peacotum is a hybrid mix of a peach,plum, and apricot. Peacotums are rich in calcium,potassium, and iron. They offer benefits to skin, eye health and heart health.